Johnson says he’ll join race

Idaho State Controller Keith Johnson announced his bid for Congress on Friday in Coeur d’Alene, touting his commitment to conservative Republican values, his education and his experience overseeing state finances.

Johnson, 44, is in a crowded Republican primary for U.S. Rep. Butch Otter’s 1st District congressional seat, which is open because Otter is running for governor. Johnson is vying with five other Republicans in the May election.

Two Democrats, including Coeur d’Alene’s Cecil Kelly, also have entered the race. Larry Grant of Fruitland, a former vice president and general counsel for Micron Technology, is the other Democratic candidate.

Johnson told about 50 members of the local Pachyderm Club that he’s committed to representing North Idaho, not just Boise.

“I’m not one of those who believe all discussions happen in Boise or in Washington, D.C.,” said Johnson, who was elected as the state’s chief financial officer in 2002. In that capacity, he oversees the financial records and accounts, pays the state’s bills and employees, and manages the state’s computer services.

Prior to that, Johnson was the state controller of Oklahoma and deputy treasurer for Orange County, Calif., helping to pull it out of the largest government bankruptcy in American history.

He officially kicked off his campaign Thursday in Boise surrounded by his three campaign co-chairmen: Idaho Secretary of State Ben Ysursa, state Treasurer Ron Crane and former Lt. Gov. Jack Riggs of Coeur d’Alene.

Johnson said he stands apart from the five other Republican challengers because he appeals to the broadest section of Idahoans, which he said is illustrated by support from other statewide elected officials. “I appeal to just about everyone,” Johnson said.

Otter isn’t endorsing a candidate in the primary, but his North Idaho director is working on Johnson’s campaign.

After the Pachyderm Club speech, Johnson said he has done more for North Idaho than any other candidate by serving on Idaho’s Land Board, which manages state-owned property – much of which is timber land in the Panhandle.

He believes that the federal government is spending too much money and that Idahoans are feeling the burden. He said he is the only candidate with the background needed to help the nation regain fiscal responsibility.

Johnson supports President Bush’s tax cut plan, saying it stimulated the economy. As proof, he pointed out that Idaho has the lowest unemployment rate in state history.

He said he also believes America has become too dependent on foreign energy, there’s too much federal regulation, and families are the cornerstone of American life.

He also thinks faith has a place in public life. Johnson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Riggs introduced Johnson at the meeting and used a checklist of adjectives to describe him – smart, energetic, conservative, experienced and caring.

“He doesn’t waffle,” Riggs said. “He will tell you what he thinks and he will stick with it because he’s telling you the truth.”

The other Republican candidates for Otter’s seat are state Sen. Skip Brandt of Koosia, Rep. Bill Sali of Kuna, Idaho Water Users Director Norm Semanko, former state Sen. Sheila Sorensen of Boise, and Canyon County Commissioner Robert Vasquez.